Pratt Community College track and field began the outdoor season in El Dorado, Kan. at the Butch Reynolds Invitational. The Beavers looked to build on the successes of the indoor season and set the standard to build upon for the rest of the outdoor season.
On the women's side, Tavaija Bennett represented the Blue and White in the short sprints. In the 100m dash Bennett ran a 12.82 for a top ten finish. She also had a top ten finish in the 200m with a time of 27.00.
Feja Hodges placed second in the 400m with a time of 1:00.18. Also in the 400m, Latisha Bain ran a personal best time of 1:07.09. Rounding out the women's side was Leeasha Madison with a time of 2:33.40 to take fifth in the 800m.
"Friday was a small meet with more of a practice feel," said Eric Larson assistant track and field coach at PCC. "The Beavers in the 1500 all ran well with freshman Kylan Wess leading the pack. Freshman Leeasha Madison had a nice open for outdoor in the 800. Sophomore Latisha Bain ran a lifetime personal best in the 400m."
The men's side saw more success for the Beavers. Jevony Murray ran a 10.84 for sixth in the 100m. In the 200m, Dorson St. Phard finished fifth with a time of 22.24. Robert Maston had a strong showing in the 400m with a third place finish at 48.61.
Pratt saw success out of several runners in the 1500m race. Kylan Wess ran a 4:15.22 followed by Will Charles at 4:20.61 and Elijah Battle at 4:24.79 allowing PCC to take fourth through sixth in the race.
Yves Cherubin ran a 15.63 for first in his section and fifth overall in the 110m hurdles.
Rounding out the invitational was the men's 4x400m relay. The team of Elijah Battle, Will Charles, Kylan Wess, and Logan Krenn finished with a time of 3:31.46 to take fourth.
"For a meet that we didn't initially plan to do, I'm very happy with our results," said Jamaal Barnes head track and field coach at PCC. "It was a great day to compete with 70 degree temperatures and the results on the track. I'm hoping we'll continue to improve as the season goes on and have excellent weather to compete."